Written answers

Monday, 11 September 2017

Department of Justice and Equality

Language Schools Accreditation

Photo of Jan O'SullivanJan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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550. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the registration of English language schools which cater for students outside the European Union; the way in which a new school can register in the meantime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36801/17]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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Student migration and international education has contributed to Irish society, both culturally and economically, over many years. Its importance has been recognised in successive Programmes for Government and is underscored in Ireland's International Education Strategies, the most recent of which was published in October 2016. Ireland's strong reputation in international education, including English language education, has been built up over a very long period through the close cooperation of key Government Departments, including my own Department, and the wider sector. My Department is strongly committed to delivering all the reforms agreed by Government and jointly announced with the Department of Education and Skills.

One such reform was the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) introduced in 2015. The ILEP is intended as a temporary measure, while a more comprehensive quality assurance framework, the International Education Mark, is being put in place by my colleague the Minister for Education and Skills. The ILEP lists those programmes, offered by both public and private educational providers, which are eligible for an immigration permission as an international student. The ILEP is only open to those offering English language programmes (of 25 weeks or more duration) and higher education programmes of at least 60 ECTS (leading to a recognised award by an Irish awarding body). All educational providers are prohibited from recruiting non-EEA international students to programmes which are not listed on the ILEP.

The temporary standards being applied by my Department are intended to ensure that non-EEA students receive a high-quality education. These standards are clearly set out in comprehensive guidelines published on the website of the Irish Immigration and Naturalisation Service () and have been agreed jointly by officials from my Department and the Department of Education and Skills. That Department has responsibility for the quality related aspects of international education, while my Department has responsibility for immigration related aspects. Both Departments regularly review the ILEP criteria to ensure they remain fit for purpose, particularly, in view of the extended lifespan of the ILEP. Officials of both Departments meet in committee to determine the eligibility of new programmes and providers to be listed on the ILEP.

The ILEP is periodically open for applications to list new programmes and this process and the requirements as regards supporting documentation etc. are all clearly set out in the published criteria. Completed applications will be assessed to ensure they meet all the requirements for listing, including an examination of the features of the programme and the provider’s capacity and bona fides. Unsuccessful applications will be given an opportunity to appeal the decision of the joint Departmental committee. Any appeal is heard by more senior officials who will consider any new information provided in this context.

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